NISD Board of Trustees Name Lone Finalist for Superintendent of Schools

At the June 27 School Board Meeting, Board of Trustees named Dr. Ryder Warren as the lone finalist for Northwest ISD Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. Warren has served as superintendent of Midland ISD since July 2010. Under his leadership, Midland developed nationally recognized programs such as the Early College High School at Midland College and a gifted and talented program designed to serve gifted and talented elementary students.

Prior to his career at Midland ISD, Dr. Warren was superintendent of Marble Falls ISD, Crane ISD and Thorndale ISD. He has worked as an adjunct instructor for Texas Tech University, principal of Whiteface Junior/Senior High School (Whiteface Consolidated ISD), principal of Crosbyton Middle School (Crosbyton ISD) and a teacher and athletic coach at Georgetown High School (Georgetown ISD).

Dr. Warren holds a bachelor of science degree from Angelo State University, a master’s of educational administration from Southwest Texas State University and a doctorate of education in educational leadership from Texas Tech University. He and his wife Jill have been married 26 years and have three children: Joshua, 20, Taylor Ann, 18 and Boomer, 17.

The Northwest ISD Board of Trustees began the national search process in February due to the announcement of Dr. Karen Rue’s retirement. Dr. Rue has been the superintendent in Northwest ISD since 2005.

“This interview process has been very trying and very rewarding,” said Board President Mark Schluter. “We were blessed by a large number of excellent candidates from which to choose. We have had the opportunity to interview some very qualified applicants and our job has not been easy.”

More than 40 applicants from 15 states applied for the position. Six were selected for initial interviews with the school board, and three were invited back for the second round of interviews.

“We look forward to working with the new superintendent and appreciate the work that our staff, community, board and consultant team have put into this process,” Schluter said.

In February and March, HYA Executive Search Firm conducted meetings with staff, students, administrators and community members to gather feedback to assist the Board in determining the primary qualities for the next superintendent. More than 325 people participated in the meetings and more than 1,170 completed an online survey.

Texas law requires a 21-day waiting period prior to extending a formal contract to the superintendent. A special board meeting is expected to be held on Tuesday, July 19 to appoint Dr. Warren as Northwest ISD’s new superintendent of schools.